Movie: Going the Distance

I loved laughing my way through this rom com starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long as two lovers struggling to make the long distance thing work. Their dialogue is so refreshing and every time you think there will be a typical "Hollywood moment", the story goes another way. The side characters are played by the always funny Christina Applegate, unknown to me but soon-to-be household name Charlie Day, and the always original Jason Sudeikis from Saturday Night Live.

Directed by Nanette Burstein, this is another example of as Drew Barrymore says women "are rocking" Hollywood right now.

Drew's hair and clothes are as usual fabulously eclectic and beautiful. Always made happy by movies set in New York, this one definately delivered. Thank you again Drew!

Movie: Purple Violets

Two love stories involving old friends, set in New York. Leave it to Ed Burns (Sidewalks of New York) to create this beautifully stylish, warm, intimate and fun film about the bravery it takes to give someone, including yourself, a second chance.

Critics were tough on this film but I thought the relationships were interesting. I liked seeing Debra Messing best known as the high energy Grace in "Will & Grace" as a serious and more focused, sharper-edged character. I was never a huge Selma Blair fan, but I thought she was lovely in this movie. I was drawn in by her subtle and quiet, under-the-radar approach.

The Soho lofts, wardrobe and lighting were well-used to reflect the character's personalities. I loved the atmosphere of this New York and I am still listening to the soundtrack. I say Ed Burns is to Soho lofts; what Woody Allen is to Brownstones!

Book: "Mudbound" by Hillary Jordan

Reading this book is like feeling a storm build. You know there will be damages, you just don't know how bad they will be.

A woman is forced to endure the rough farm life that comes with living in rural 1940's Mississippi while she becomes enraptured with her husband's emotionally wounded brother just returned from the war. Meanwhile he develops a prohibited friendship with a black man also back from the horrors of war, who wants to start again.

Racism, revenge, alcoholism, hate and passion rule the lives of these characters while they struggle with feeling trapped in the mud. I couldn't put this book down and once I did, there were tears in my eyes.

Inspiring Quote:

"I write to find out what I think"

Joan Didion

Blog: froufrouu.com

Nadia uses herself for visual poetry. Amazing.

Blog: The Neotraditionalist.com

I adore this beautiful blog written by interior designer Katie Armour. It is o so inspiring and delicious. Girly girls who love art, design, fashion, beauty and travel will crave a daily fix. She posts several times a day so there is much to explore. I especially enjoy her quote of the day and pre-nuptual musings.

Visit this exquisite site at: http://theneotraditionalist.com/

Movie: And now ladies and gentlemen

She is a jazz musician and he is a jewel thief; both escape to a foreign land to forget their past. It is a savage and intimate old world love story set against the backdrop of Morocco. There is one line from this movie that has continually resonated in my head since I saw it 3 years ago. As much as I love a great love story, it is her quest that made this movie unforgettable for me. If anyone ever says "They don't make movies like that anymore", just refer them to this movie as proof that thay do.